Written by Student Assistant Jake Bilyeu
TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team is coming home for the first time this season on Tuesday, hosting Multnomah University inside Olson Gymnasium at 6 p.m. The Lutes look to finally break through into the win column after some close battles on the road, including the last two setbacks coming by a combined eight points.
The Lutes (0-3) nearly came away with the win last Wednesday in Olympia, owning a nine-point fourth quarter advantage before seeing it snatched away on a buzzer-beating shot by Evergreen State College in a 67-66 setback. Despite the result, PLU has shown progress in its opening three games of the season, outscoring its last two opponents, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Evergreen State, in the second half. A strong start could be just what the Lutes need to come away with a win on Tuesday.
Heading into the first home game of the season, fans should look out for leading scorers Samantha Kelleigh (16.7 points per game, 50 points total) and Lacey Nicholson (11.3 per game, 34 total). Fans should also keep their eyes on the boards for leading rebounders Nicholson and Kristin Sturdivan (each at 5.7 per game) while Kaelyn Voss leads the way in assists (10) and steals (nine) for the Lutes.
The Lutes also hope to see Julia Berenson continue to provide a burst of energy off the bench in her second game back. Berenson provided eight points and three steals in her first game back last week at Evergreen State.
After Tuesday's home game, the Lutes will need to recover quickly, as they begin conference play this weekend at Lewis & Clark College on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a matchup with Pacific University on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Lutes will then return home next Thursday to host non-conference foe Warner Pacific University.
Nov. 29: PLU vs. Multnomah University at Olson Gymnasium in Tacoma, Wash. (6 p.m.)
Series History: Tuesday night's matchup will be the first ever between the Lions and the Lutes.
About the Lions: The Lions are off to a rough start this season, amassing a 1-5 record so far. The team opened with an 83-62 loss against Benedictine University Mesa, before falling in a 65-64 nailbiter against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and then falling to University of California Merced 71-49. The Lions have been taking on some of the Lutes rivals in the Northwest Conference lately, falling 91-53 against preseason favorite George Fox University, before picking up their first win against Pacific University, 66-50. Most recently, the team fell to Whitman College, 72-53.
Miranda Schmillen leads the Lions in both scoring (11.5 points per game) and rebounding (6.0 rpg).
